Nuno Valente released by Everton

Left-back on lookout for new club

Former Portugal international Nuno Valente is a free agent after Premiership club Everton decided against renewing his contract at Goodison Park.

The 34-year-old has been plagued by fitness problems over the last two years, and has not featured for the Toffees since August due to suffering with various injuries. As a result, the Merseyside club announced on Friday afternoon that Valente will join first-team player Segundo Castillo and Andy van Der Meyde in leaving.

Valente made 60 appearances for Everton across his four-year stay at the club, following a 2005 move from FC Porto, where he was part of Jose Mourinho’s all-conquering side which the Champions League in 2004.

Capped 33 times for his country, the left-back recently stated his intention to play on for one more season, although Valente had already given up much hope that Toffees boss David Moyes would offer him a new deal on Merseyside.